Ben Gvir blasts Netanyahu over ‘cynical’ unity talks

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Saturday night accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using a reported unity initiative with Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich as a political maneuver to pressure Moshe Feiglin. Ben Gvir, in a letter to the Prime Minister, expressed shock over reports that Smotrich and Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, held advanced merger talks mediated by Netanyahu. Ben Gvir alleged that the public calls for unity with him were staged solely to force Feiglin to lower his electoral demands. Addressing Netanyahu, Ben Gvir stated that while the Prime Minister may feel comfortable boycotting his events or avoiding being photographed with him, using a heartfelt call for unity as a cynical game is unacceptable. He concluded by reminding the Prime Minister of his identity. Reports from Friday indicated that Smotrich’s Religious Zionism and Feiglin’s Zehut are in advanced negotiations for an electoral alliance. Under the emerging terms, Feiglin is expected to receive the second spot on the list, along with positions eight and ten, though final allocations remain unconfirmed.